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Phil Murphy, Wikipedia

In urging that we all stand up against anti-Semitism (“It’s Time to Urgently Speak Out Against Anti-Semitism in All Forms,” Oct. 20), Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Murphy lost an important opportunity to speak out against a current, serious manifestation of the problem: the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel.

Mr. Murphy should have made three points: first, that BDS is anti-Semitic; second, that he disagrees with his running mate’s vote on the New Jersey bill; and finally, that if he is elected, he and his administration will vigorously enforce the anti-BDS law and work to strengthen New Jersey’s already strong ties with Israel.

BDS is based on demonizing lies about Israel, including the absurd claim that Israel is an apartheid state. The movement unfairly blames Israel alone for the lack of peace, without acknowledging the Palestinian Arab terrorism that Israelis endure and the Palestinians’ repeated rejection of a state.

Mr. Murphy’s forceful declarations against BDS were essential, given that his running mate, Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, was one of only three lawmakers to vote against a state anti-BDS bill in 2016. The bipartisan bill, which overwhelmingly passed and became law, prohibits the state’s pension funds from investing in any company that participates in the BDS campaign against Israel.

Mr. Murphy should have made three points: first, that BDS is anti-Semitic; second, that he disagrees with his running mate’s vote on the New Jersey bill; and finally, that if he is elected, he and his administration will vigorously enforce the anti-BDS law and work to strengthen New Jersey’s already strong ties with Israel.

Susan Tuchman

Tenafly

Ms. Tuchman is the director of the Zionist Organization of America’s Center for Law and Justice.